Google Announces New Health Search Tool

Why Is This Important?

Because 1 in 20 Google searches are health-related, but the information out there sucks.

Long Story Short

Google is announcing the release of a new search tool aimed at providing more pertinent answers to health-related searches. Though not intended as medical advice, it’s a step forward from what currently exists.

Long Story

For being a (somewhat) reliable source of information for just about everything, the internet is notoriously incapable when it comes to providing helpful responses to health-related search queries. Thankfully, Google is hoping to change that with a new health search feature rolling out across mobile and desktop platforms this week (it’s already working for me when I visit Google.com).

For most people, their foray into the online medical world goes something like this: They notice a symptom, like a runny nose. Then they notice another symptom or two, and decide to plug them into Google for an idea of what it could be. Next thing you know, WebMD is saying you have Legionnaires Disease and three weeks to live. This is obviously not productive.

Google’s health search function aims to, at the very least, point people in the right direction. Expanding on the current results you’d expect if you searched for a disease like “typhoid tever” (a blurb, links to symptoms, treatment etc.), you’ll now get much more: An artist’s depiction of the malady, its prevalence (no, you do not have sarcoidosis), how it’s diagnosed, and typical treatments. More links take you to symptoms and other resources.

While the internet will NEVER take the place of a doctor’s diagnosis, Google did work with medical doctors to ensure their information is up to date and consistent. All in all it’s a much-improved step to take between swigging some NyQuil and calling your doctor.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question: Will the enhanced accuracy of something like this reduce “armchair MDs,” or make them more annoying?

Disrupt Your Feed: WebMD says I have the bubonic plague. I’d better get a second opinion.

Drop This Fact: According to Marist Poll, nearly 40% of Americans engage in some form of “self diagnosis” online.